What Is A Young Carer?

Young carers are children and young people who look after someone in their family who has an

illness, a disability, or is affected by mental ill-health or substance misuse.

Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be

expected of an adult. The tasks undertaken can vary according to the nature of the illness or

disability, the level and frequency of need for care and the structure of the family as a whole.

A young carer may do some or all of the following:

•Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.

•Physical care, such as lifting, helping a parent on stairs or with physiotherapy.

•Personal care, such as dressing, washing, helping with toileting needs.

•Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions.

•Administering medication.

•Looking after or “parenting” younger siblings.

•Emotional support.

•Interpreting, due to a hearing or speech impairment or because English is not the family’s first

language.

Some young carers may undertake high levels of care, whereas for others it may be frequent low

levels of care. Either can impact heavily on a child or young person.

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Signs That Someone Could Be A Young Carer:

Anxiety or concern over an ill or disabled relative

Constant need to be in touch with home

Often late for school/clubs with no apparent reason

Tired , withdrawn or stressed.

Isolated or victim of bullying

Poor relationship with peers

occasional outbursts

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Do they care for some one with a

Physical illness/disability,

Dependency on drugs/alcohol

Or

Mental Health

Yes No (Consider Other Agencies)

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PLEASE CLICK APPROPRIATE OPTION

Does the young person being referred have a

Physical illness/disability,

Dependency on drugs/alcohol

Or

Mental Health

Yes

(Consider Other Agencies)

No

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Do They Live In Harrow

Are They 11-18YR Olds?

Yes No (Consider Other Carers Centres)

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We aim to reduce the caring burden on the young people.

we offer:

.Advice

.Information & Signposting

.Monthly/weekly actives

.School outreach

.Free Counselling

.Much More

What does the Young Carers Project do?

How Do I Refer A Young Carer?

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Email A Completed CAF To

youngcarers@harrowcarers.org

Helpful resources

http://www.harrowcarers.org/projects/young-carers/

http://youngcarerstoolkit.co.uk/

http://professionals.carers.org/young-carers/

http://www.youngcarers.net/

Copyright Harrow Carers BW2013